Hereford born Commonwealth bowls gold-medallist Rob Weale

The 47-year-old bowls star had a nightmare start to his Commonwealth Games campaign when he was struck down by illness and kept in isolation for three days.

But the Herefordshire Housing worker hit back to win the men’s singles gold in Delhi and become the most successful bowler in Commonwealth Games history. He also carried the Welsh flag at the Games’ closing ceremony.

“It was manic after I had won,” recalled record-breaker Weale, who lives in Hereford and now hold six medals from seven Games appearances.

“The coach ran on and there were celebrations with the rest of my Welsh team-mates.

“It was crazy and one of my team-mates was trying to ring my parents.”

Hereford-born Weale defeated Australian Leif Selby in a tie break in last week’s thrilling gold medal match.

It was third time lucky for Weale - he had previously won silver and bronze medals in the men’s singles.

The Presteigne Bowls Club player became bed-ridden just three days after arriving in Delhi.

“I had a raging fever, felt terrible and my blood pressure was through the roof,” said Weale.

“Thankfully, I was well treated by the medical team who kept me away from the rest of the team in case I spread the infection.”

Weale returned to the property services department at Herefordshire Housing on Monday where his colleagues threw a surprise party for him.

“I have got some gold balloons put up by my computer and little gold discs spread over my desk,” he said.

Presteigne Bowls Club are planning a celebratory party for their hero on Saturday, October 30.

Weale now hopes to gain 100 outdoor caps for Wales and compete at the World Championships in Adelaide in 2012.

He returns to bowls action on Saturday - and he is also playing skittles for the Tattibogoes tomorrow (Friday) night.

“I am playing skittles with the lads at The Barrels on Friday night - they want to see the gold medal and have a few beers,” he said.